The Impact of Family Dynamics, Home Environment, and Neighborhood Quality on Educational Outcomes for Children in Los Angeles County, California

Abstract

Many researchers and policymakers cite income inequality, racial stigmatization, and a highly uneven education system as the major factors of socioeconomic immobility. Proposed solutions to such macro-level problems, however, have long-run prospects and many obstacles. This paper adds to a developing body of literature that focuses on micro-foundations of socioeconomic immobility: family dynamics, household environment, and neighborhood effects. By examining these factors from the child’s perspective—made possible through use of the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey—this paper sheds light on new dynamic micro-foundations of socioeconomic mobility. My findings have meaningful implications for real world policy initiatives and development programs.